Increasing the quantity of I/O decode ranges using SMI traps

ABSTRACT

A method of increasing the quantity of input/output (I/O) decode ranges using system management interrupts (SMI) traps is disclosed. In one aspect, the present disclosure teaches a method of increasing the quantity of I/O decode ranges using SMI traps in a chipset including generating a system management interrupt (SMI) based on information causing access to an I/O address that triggers a SMI trap. The I/O address operably received at the chipset via a bus. The method further including automatically reprogramming a decode register in the chipset such that the I/O address forwards the information to a device on the bus.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systemsand, more particularly, to increasing the quantity of I/O decode rangesusing system management interrupts (SMI) traps.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Information handling systems generally include a chipset architecture.The chipset architecture is designed to allow one or more chips,typically a group of integrated circuits, to perform related functions.In one chipset architecture, two chips referred to as a Northbridgechipset and a Southbridge chipset are used to perform these functions.

In a typically Northbridge/Southbridge chipset arrangement, theNorthbridge chipset is used to connect a processor to computer memoryvia the front side bus wherein graphic, peripheral componentinterconnections (PCI) and level 2 cache functions are performed. TheSouthbridge chipset controls the input/output (I/O) functions for thesystem including universal serial bus, system's basic I/O systems(BIOS), interrupt controller and an industry standard architecture (ISA)bus. Because the Southbridge chipset controls the I/O functions, theSouthbridge chipset may include an I/O controller hub.

I/O controller hubs receive and direct information between I/O devicesvia a bus. In order to direct the information to the device, theinformation including an I/O address or I/O access stored in an I/Orange that is must be decoded at the chipset to determine where to sendthe information. Generally, the I/O range is decoded either positivelyor subtractively.

Using positive decoding, a distinct I/O range is programmed in thechipset to route all information to a particular device via a particularbus based on the distinct I/O range. However, many chipsets can onlyprogram or store a limited number of distinct I/O ranges. Thus, undersubtractive decoding, any I/O ranges that are not programmed in thechipset will be automatically forwarded to the bus in a broadcastfashion.

In some instances, a chipset only permits the programming of twodistinct I/O decode ranges and only uses positive decoding such that thechipset requires a distinct I/O decode range for each device. However,some devices that reside on the bus typically require a distinct rangefor full functionality such as Super I/O controller, baseboardmanagement controller (BMC), complex programmable logic device (CPLD),and SmartVu cards. Therefore, all four devices are requiring a distinctI/O range but only two are available.

SUMMARY

Thus, a need has arisen for increasing the quantity of input/output(I/O) decode ranges using system management interrupt (SMI) traps.

In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, in oneembodiment, a method of increasing the quantity of input/output (I/O)decode ranges in a chipset including generating a system managementinterrupt (SMI) based on information causing access to an I/O addressthat triggers a SMI trap. The I/O address operably received at thechipset via a bus. The method further including automaticallyreprogramming a decode register in the chipset such that the I/O addressforwards the information to a device on the bus.

In other embodiments, an information handling system including aprocessor and memory operably coupled to the processor. The informationhandling system further includes a chipset communicatively coupled tothe processor and the memory such that the chipset operably receivesinput/output (I/O) address from the processor via a bus. The chipsetincluding a decode register having at least one decode range. The decoderange operable to route information to a computer device associated withthe decode range. The information handling system further including astored decode register communicatively coupled to the chipset. Thestored decode register operably stores an I/O address. The informationhandling system further including a system management interrupt (SMI)trap operably set to generate a SMI. Whereby during the SMI, a SMIhandler reprograms the decode register to include at least one of theI/O addresses to allow the information to be forwarded to the respectivecomputer device on the bus.

In further embodiments, a computer-readable medium havingcomputer-executable instructions for performing a method of increasingthe quantity of input/output (I/O) decode ranges includes programming asystem management interrupt (SMI) trap in a basic I/O system (BIOS) togenerate a SMI. The SMI trap operably triggered from informationaccessing an I/O address. The method further includes, upon generationof the SMI, saving a current value of a decode range register in memoryand deactivating the SMI trap. The method further includes automaticallyreprogramming a decode range register to include the I/O address. Themethod further includes, following the reprogramming of the decode rangeregister, resending the information accessing the I/O address andrestoring the decode range register to the current value. The methodfurther includes re-activating the SMI trap.

In one aspect, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technicaladvantage of programming decode ranges for additional registers in achipset. Low pin count (LPC) buses that positively decoded typicallyrequire distinct I/O ranges for each device on the bus. By storingadditional registers in temporary memory, a SMI trap can be used toreprogram certain ranges to direct information to the appropriatedevice.

In another aspect, teachings of the present disclosure provide thetechnical advantage of attaining debug information from various deviceson a bus. Because the decode ranges are programmable upon entry into aSMI, debug codes may be broadcast on multiple buses to multiple devices.Based on receipt of the debug code at particular devices on the bus,debug information may be obtained to troubleshoot problems.

All, some, or none of these technical advantages may be present invarious embodiments of the present invention. Other technical advantageswill be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures,descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantagesthereof may be acquired by referring to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an information handling system,according to teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a chipset having decoderegisters forming a part of an information handling system, according toteachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a method of setting system managementinterrupt (SMI) traps in an information handling system, according toteachings of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for a method of increasing the quantity ofinput/output (I/O) decode registers using SMI traps in an informationhandling system, according to teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood byreference to FIGS. 1 through 4, wherein like numbers are used toindicate like and corresponding parts.

For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system mayinclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, orutilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an informationhandling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, orany other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,functionality, and price. The information handling system may includerandom access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as acentral processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic,ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components ofthe information handling system may include one or more disk drives, oneor more network ports for communicating with external devices as well asvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, anda video display. The information handling system may also include one ormore buses operable to transmit communications between the varioushardware components.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a block diagram of information handlingsystem 10 is shown, according to teachings of the present disclosure.Information handling system 10 or computer system preferably includesone or more microprocessors such as central processing unit (CPU) 12.CPU 12 may include processor 14 for handling integer operations andcoprocessor 16 for handling floating point operations. CPU 12 ispreferably coupled to cache, such as L1 cache 18 and L2 cache 19 and achipset, commonly referred to as Northbridge chipset 24, via a frontsidebus 23. Northbridge chipset 24 preferably couples CPU 12 to memory 22via memory controller 20. Main memory 22 of dynamic random access memory(DRAM) modules may be divided into one or more areas such as systemmanagement mode (SMM) memory area (not expressly shown).

Graphics controller 32 is preferably coupled to Northbridge chipset 24and to video memory 34. Video memory 34 is preferably operable to storeinformation to be displayed on one or more display panels 36. Displaypanel 36 may be an active matrix or passive matrix liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or other displaytechnology. In selected applications, uses or instances, graphicscontroller 32 may also be coupled to an integrated display, such as in aportable information handling system implementation.

Northbridge chipset 24 serves as a “bridge” between CPU bus 23 and theconnected buses. Generally, when going from one bus to another bus, abridge is needed to provide the translation or redirection to thecorrect bus. Typically, each bus uses its own set of protocols or rulesto define the transfer of data or information along the bus, commonlyreferred to as the bus architecture. To prevent communication problemfrom arising between buses, chipsets such as Northbridge chipset 24 andSouthbridge chipset 50, are able to translate and coordinate theexchange of information between the various buses and/or devices thatcommunicate through their respective bridge.

Basic input/output system (BIOS) memory 30 is also preferably coupled toPCI bus 25 connecting to Southbridge chipset 50. FLASH memory or otherreprogrammable, nonvolatile memory may be used as BIOS memory 30. A BIOSprogram (not expressly shown) is typically stored in BIOS memory 30. TheBIOS program preferably includes software which facilitates interactionwith and between information handling system 10 devices such as akeyboard 62, a mouse such as touch pad 66 or pointer 68, or one or moreI/O devices. BIOS memory 30 may also store system code (note expresslyshown) operable to control a plurality of basic information handlingsystem 10 operations.

Communication controller 38 is preferably provided and enablesinformation handling system 10 to communicate with communication network40, e.g., an Ethernet network. Communication network 40 may include alocal area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, Intranet,wireless broadband or the like. Communication controller 38 may beemployed to form a network interface for communicating with otherinformation handling systems (not expressly shown) coupled tocommunication network 40.

In certain information handling system embodiments, expansion cardcontroller 42 may also be included and is preferably coupled to PCI bus25 as shown. Expansion card controller 42 is preferably coupled to aplurality of information handling system expansion slots 44. Expansionslots 44 may be configured to receive one or more computer componentssuch as an expansion card (e.g., modems, fax cards, communicationscards, and other input/output (I/O) devices).

Southbridge chipset 50, also called bus interface controller orexpansion bus controller preferably couples PCI bus 25 to an expansionbus. In one embodiment, expansion bus may be configured as an IndustryStandard Architecture (“ISA”) bus. Other buses, for example, aPeripheral Component Interconnect (“PCI”) bus, may also be used.

Interrupt request generator 46 is also preferably coupled to Southbridgechipset 50. Interrupt request generator 46 is preferably operable toissue an interrupt service request over a predetermined interruptrequest line in response to receipt of a request to issue interruptinstruction from CPU 12. Southbridge chipset 50 preferably interfaces toone or more universal serial bus (USB) ports 52, CD-ROM (compactdisk-read only memory) or digital versatile disk (DVD) drive 53, anintegrated drive electronics (IDE) hard drive device (HDD) 54 and/or afloppy disk drive (ADD) 55. In one example embodiment, Southbridgechipset 50 interfaces with HDD 54 via an IDE bus (not expressly shown).Other disk drive devices (not expressly shown) which may be interfacedto Southbridge chipset 50 include a removable hard drive, a zip drive, aCD-RE (compact disk-read/write) drive, and a CD-DVD (compactdisk-digital versatile disk) drive.

Real-time clock (RTC) 51 may also be coupled to Southbridge chipset 50.Inclusion of RTC 74 permits timed events or alarms to be activated inthe information handling system 10. Real-time clock 74 may be programmedto generate an alarm signal at a predetermined time as well as toperform other operations.

I/O controller 48, often referred to as a super I/O controller, is alsopreferably coupled to Southbridge chipset 50. I/O controller 48preferably interfaces to one or more parallel port 60, keyboard 62,device controller 64 operable to drive and interface with touch pad 66and/or pointer 68, and PS/2 Port 70. FLASH memory or other nonvolatilememory may be used with I/O controller 48.

Generally, chipsets 24 and 50 may further include decode registers tocoordinate the transfer of information between CPU 12 and a respectivedata bus and/or device. Because the number of decode registers availableto chipset 24 or 50 may be limited, chipset 24 and/or 50 may increasethe number or I/O decode ranges using system management interrupts (SMI)traps.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of CPU 80 coupled to chipset 82via bus 81. Generally, bus 81 is a positively decoded bus such as a lowpin count bus (e.g., a PCI Express bus). In the example embodiment,chipset 82 includes decode registers 84 and 86 that are programmable torecognize a distinct I/O range for transferring information torespective computer devices 88 a and 88 b.

Chipset 82 may be formed on or coupled with substrate 75 such as aprinted circuit board (not expressly shown). Typically, chipset 82 formsa part of a motherboard (not expressly shown) such as chipset 24 or 50that are used in information handling system 10.

Generally, chipset 82 is used to route information to connected devicesbased on distinct I/O ranges stored in decode registers 84 and 86.Decode register 84 associated with chipset 82 allows for information tobe passed to computer device 88 a via bus 87. Similarly, decode register86 permits information to be passed to computer device 88 b via bus 89.

Typically, information sent from CPU 80 includes an I/O address such asa distinct I/O range to allow the information to be associated with aparticular computer device to receive the information. The I/O address,once decoded, generally includes the I/O range for routing theinformation to the device. Thus, based on the I/O address, theinformation is passed to the corresponding bus for transmission to therespective device.

For example, information from CPU 80 may be directed to computer device88 a having a distinct I/O range of “CA0.” If the decoded register forthe information determines that the information includes the I/O rangehaving the value of “CA0,” the information will be directed to bus 87for transmission to computer device 88 a. This type of decoding iscommonly known as positive decoding.

In the example embodiment, chipset 82 only has decode registers 84 and86 for routing information to computer components that require distinctI/O ranges. Because additional computer devices may be associated orcoupled to chipset 82 via a bus, additional decode registers aretypically required.

In order to increase the quantity of decode ranges, chipset 82 may storeone or more distinct I/O addresses or decode ranges in a memorylocation. For example, the memory location may include random accessmemory, Flash memory, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive orany other type of memory able to store the ranges. These stored decoderanges may be used to associate a decode register with an associatedcomputer device on the bus to allow chipset 82 to route information todevice. Because the devices connected to the bus may be varied, thestored decode ranges are able to be reprogrammed based on the currentdevices connected to the bus.

In some embodiments, additional decode registers may be stored inchipset 82 using stored decode registers 90, 92, 94 and 96. Each of thestored decode registers 90, 92, 94 and 96 may store a decode range for aparticular computer device.

Chipset 82 typically uses positively decoding for determining theaddress of information sent along the bus. Because stored decoderegisters 90, 92, 94 and 96 are placed in memory, only decode registers84 and 86 are used for routing information to respective computerdevices on the bus. However, by using a system management interrupt(SMI) trap, stored decode registers 90, 92, 94 and 96 may be used totrigger a SMI. Thus, if chipset 82 receives information with an I/Oaddress that matches one of stored decode registers 90, 92, 94 and 96, aSMI may be triggered to cause chipset 82 to reprogram at least one ofdecode register 84 or 86 to the received I/O address to allow theinformation to be routed to the respective computer device.

Interrupt 98 may also be communicated coupled with chipset 82. Based onthe triggering of the SMI trap, interrupt 98 may generate a SMI. In someembodiments, the SMI is triggered on I/O accesses such as accessing anI/O address that is stored in stored decode registers 90, 92, 94 or 96.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a method of setting system managementinterrupt (SMI) traps in information handling system 10. At block 100,the method performs a scan of information handling system 10 for devicesconnected or coupled to the bus. Typically, the scan is performed duringa power on self test (POST) operation or an initialization of the basicI/O system (BIOS) setup in which information handling system 10establishes the number of computer devices placed on the bus.

During the post or the BIOS initialization, one or more chipsets mayprogram decode ranges within distinct I/O ranges associated withcomputer devices. Because the number of devices requiring a distinct I/Orange may exceed the number of available decode registers on thechipset, additional decode registers or decode ranges may be stored inmemory such as stored decode registers 90, 92, 94 and 96.

For example, during a POST operation, information handling system 20 mayprogram ranges of “CA0” into a first decode register and “A0” into asecond decode register for routing information to a first and secondcomputer device placed on the bus. Based on the system scan, additionaldecode ranges for additional computer devices may be stored in memorysuch as stored decode registers 90, 92, 94 and 96.

At block 102, information handling system 10 may be set up or programmedto generate a SMI upon accessing one of the additional decode rangesstored in memory. Generally, a SMI trap may be set up in a Trapped CycleRegister of a chipset (e.g., I/O controller hub). Upon accessing on thestored decode ranges in memory, the trapped cycle register may cause aSMI.

At block 104 the SMI trap is enabled. Typically, enabling a SMI trap isa process of setting a flag or status within the BIOS that causesinformation handling system 10 to recognize the I/O SMI trap set atblock 102. Thus, once enabled, a SMI may be generated based on accessingone of the stored decode ranges in memory.

Following the set up (or programming) and enablement of the SMI trap,information handling system 10 may continue with the POST or start upoperation including the loading of an operating system, as shown atblock 106.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for a method of increasing the quantity ofinput/output (I/O) decode registers using SMI traps in informationhandling system 10. At block 110, information handling system 10 entersinto a handler such as a BIOS SMI handler. Generally, the SMI trap mayhave been triggered by accessing an I/O address stored in memory, whichcaused the entry into the handler.

Once entered into the handler, the handler determines whether the SMIwas caused by the SMI trap set for accessing the I/O address, at block112. Because SMIs may be caused from a variety of different operationswithin information handling system 10, the SMI handler determineswhether the SMI was generated by the programmed I/O SMI trap based onaccessing the I/O address stored in memory. If the SMI was not caused bythe programmed I/O SMI trap, the method continues to block 114 and theSMI which caused the entry into the handler is handled.

However, if the SMI was determined to be caused by the programmed I/OSMI trap, the SMI handler may automatically disable the I/O SMI trap andsave the current values of the I/O address of the decode registers inmemory, as shown in block 116. The I/O SMI trap that was enabled duringa set up operation such as the POST is now disabled such that additionalI/O accesses to I/O address stored in memory does not cause a SMI.

The current I/O ranges are the distinct I/O addresses associated withcomputer devices on the bus. Because these I/O decode ranges may havebeen initially set during a POST operation, the I/O ranges are saved inmemory. Typically, the current values of the I/O addresses are stored ina temporary memory storage. In one example embodiment, the decode rangesare stored in a register, namely the generic decode range register(e.g., the ICH_GEN_DEC register currently used with an Intel™ ICH6chipset).

Once the current values of the I/O address are saved, the methodproceeds to reprogram the decode range register to include at least oneof the I/O address stored in memory, at block 118. Generally, the I/Oaddress that triggered the I/O SMI trap to generate the SMI is copiedfrom memory and programmed into one of the decode registers. Typically,the generic decode range register such as the ICH_GEN_DEC register isreprogrammed to include the I/O address in order to route information tothe associated computer device.

With the reprogrammed generic decode range register, the system BIOShandler will cause a re-send of information that triggered the SMI, atblock 120. Because the SMI trap is deactivated, another SMI is notgenerated. However, now that the I/O address is stored in a decoderegister, the chipset may decode and redirect the information to theassociated computer device.

At block 122, the generic decode range register may be restored to thepreviously current decode value that has been saved in memory.Typically, the decode range register is reprogrammed back to the initialvalue as set during the POST operation.

At block 124, the SMI handler reactivates the I/O SMI trap. Because thedecode range register is reprogrammed back to the original or initialvalue, information sent to I/O addresses stored in memory need totrigger the SMI trap to generate a SMI. Thus, the I/O SMI trap isre-activated to generate a SMI upon accessing an I/O addressed stored inmemory. By deactivating and reactivating the SMI trap, the system mayprevent an infinite loop caused by a SMI trap executing upon the re-sendof the information to the chipset.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, information handlingsystem 10 may forward SmartVU codes to multiple busses so thatPCI-Express, PCI-X and other non-compatible slots can be used to plug-infuture SmartVU cards such as in a debugged card chipset. In performingthis debug operation, information may be sent along the various buses bycycling through the decode ranges and the I/O address stored in memorysuch as in a broadcast fashion. As such, the information is repeatedlysent along each bus in an attempt to connect with or locate a particularcomputer device. The debug operation may further allow debuggingprograms to correctly locate an attached computer device.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterationscan be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit andscope.

1. A method of increasing the quantity of input/output (I/O) decoderanges in a chipset, comprising: generating a system managementinterrupt (SMI) based on information causing access to an I/O addressthat triggers a SMI trap, the I/O address operably received at thechipset via a bus; automatically reprogramming a decode register in thechipset to include the I/O address such that the chipset forwards theinformation to a device on the bus; automatically entering a SMI handlerbased on the generation of the SMI; upon entry into the SMI handler,deactivating the SMI trap and resending information that accesses theI/O address to allow the information to be forwarded to the device onthe bus; and following the resend, re-activating the SMI trap.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising programming a SMI trap in basicI/O system (BIOS) during an initialization process.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the initialization process comprises a power on selftest (POST) operation.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprisingstoring a current value of the decode register.
 5. The method of claim4, further comprising restoring the current value of the decode registerafter resending the information.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising storing the I/O addresses that trigger a SMI trap in memory.7. The method of claim 6, wherein reprogramming the decode registerfurther comprises reprogramming the decode register to cycle througheach decode register and I/O address stored in memory to send theinformation in a broadcast fashion along the bus.
 8. The method of claim1, further comprising positively decoding the I/O address.
 9. Aninformation handling system, comprising: a processor; a memory coupledto the processor; a chipset communicatively coupled to the processor andthe memory such that the chipset operably receives input/output (I/O)address from the processor via a bus; the chipset including a decoderegister having at least one decode range, the decode range operable toroute information to a computer device associated with the decode range;a stored decode register communicatively coupled to the chipset, thestored decode register operably stores an I/O address; a systemmanagement interrupt (SMI) trap operably set to generate a SMI, wherebyduring the SMI, a SMI handler reprograms the decode register to includeat least one of the I/O addresses to allow the information to beforwarded to the respective computer device on the bus; and a systembasic I/O system (BIOS) handler operable to cause the I/O address to beresent such that the I/O address is forwarded to the device on the bus.10. The information handling system of claim 9, wherein the SMI trapcomprises a trap set programmed in a Basic I/O system (BIOS).
 11. Theinformation handling system of claim 9, wherein the chipset comprises anI/O controller hub.
 12. The information handling system of claim 9,wherein the bus is a low pin count bus.
 13. A tangible computer-readablemedium having computer-executable instructions for performing a methodof increasing the quantity of input/output (I/O) decode ranges,comprising: programming a system management interrupt (SMI) trap in abasic I/O system (BIOS) to generate a SMI, the SMI trap operablytriggered from information accessing an I/O address; upon generation ofthe SMI, saving a current value of a decode range register in memory anddeactivating the SMI trap; automatically reprogramming a decode rangeregister to include the I/O address; following the reprogramming of thedecode range register, resending the information accessing the I/Oaddress and restoring the decode range register to the current value;and re-activating the SMI trap.
 14. The tangible computer-readablemedium of claim 13, further comprising scanning an information handlingsystem to determine the number of computer devices placed on a bus. 15.The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 14, further comprising,based on the scan, storing I/O addresses for the computer devices inmemory.
 16. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 15, furthercomprising performing a debugging operation.
 17. The tangiblecomputer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the debugging operationfurther comprises: repeating the programming of the decode rangeregister for each I/O address stored in memory; and resending theinformation for each of the I/O addresses to allow the information to besent to each device on the bus in a broadcast fashion.